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Yankees Sign Rafael Soriano

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The Yankees have signed Rafael Soriano to a three-year contract, the team announced today. The deal is believed to be worth $35MM over three years, and will allow the player to opt out after either of the first two years.The Scott Boras client will make $11.5MM if he opts out after year one and $21.5MM if he opts out after year two. The contract does not include a no-trade clause.

The deal comes just days after GM Brian Cashman said that he would not surrender his first round pick to sign a free agent. The Rays will receive New York's first round pick (31st overall) as well as a supplemental first round pick as compensation for their loss. 

The 31-year-old Soriano was the top closer on the market, but he's going to have to serve as Mariano Rivera's setup man with the Yankees. He pitched to a 1.73 ERA with 8.2 K/9 and just 2.0 BB/9 in 62.1 innings last year, the second straight season he's avoided the disabled list. He's battled elbow trouble in the past, including Tommy John surgery back in 2004. Over the last four seasons, Soriano has struck out 9.8 batters per nine innings while walking 2.7 per nine. Although his home run rate has improved in recent years (0.7 HR/9 since 2008), he's an extreme fly ball pitcher (just 31% ground balls in his career). That could give him some problems in hitter friendly Yankee Stadium. 

At an $11.67MM average annual value, Soriano will be the fifth highest paid reliever in baseball, trailing only Rivera, Brad Lidge, Francisco Rodriguez, and Joe Nathan. Jonathan Papelbon's eventual 2011 salary could also factor into that equation soon enough. It's a healthy raise from the $7.5MM Soriano earned in 2010, which came after he accepted the Braves offer of arbitration last offseason. With Billy Wagner already on board, it pushed Atlanta to trade him to Tampa.

SI.com's Jon Heyman adds that the Yankees still have about $20MM to spend before they hit their 2011 payroll limit (Twitter link). That's plenty for a right-handed outfield bat and starting pitching, even if they wait for a salary dump situation to arise during the season.

Heyman originally reported the agreement (all Twitter links). ESPN's Buster Olney and Tyler Kepner of The New York Times added details (Twitter links).

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Comments

  1. Woah, didn’t expect this one after Cashman’s comments about the draft pick.

    • I like your sarcasm…cleary there isn’t a sane person on the planet that believes a word that comes out of that weasels mouth.

      • I agree completely. A lot of GMs refuse to comment, a lot play things coy, but I have never seen a GM just out and out lie as much as Brian Cashman. Why anybody even bothers to talk to him anymore is puzzling; the only explanation that they don’t give a crap what he says as long as they have a quote.

        He is the Scott Boras of GMs.

        • For Cashmans standpoint its better for the media to backoff anyway and he can still go about his business

          • Good call from Heyman couple of days ago. Where is everyone who said he was full of ish?

        • You’re forgetting that Soriano priviously stated that he would not close for anyone. Boras also said that Soriano was willing to be a Bullpun catcher.
          That didn’t happen either. So Cashman’s not the only one to lie.

        • Since when is it a GMs job to be honest? Agents, Gms, lawyers…..part of the job.

          • Dealing with the press is part of a GM’s job, just like post-game press conferences are part of a manager’s job. So is acting like a professional, and that includes conducting yourself with integrity. And if you think lying is part of being a lawyer, then you have absolutely no idea how much trouble they can get in if anybody so much as sniffs the possibility that they lied. Losing the ability to practice law would be the appetizer to an extremely long and damaging meal.

            But yes, sometimes absolute honesty is not in a GM’s interest. How about “we’re continuing to evaluate options to improve our team” or “we discussed him internally” or “we’re not sure if it is worth the draft pick to make this signing” or even “no comment” instead “ZOMG WHY WOULD YO EVEN SUGGEST THAT OF COURSE WE’LL NEVER SIGN HIM WE WUB OUR DRAFT PICK TOO MUCH?” There’s no reason he needs to flat out lie, particularly about something so trivial. You think, what, the Angels were going to pony up and become competition? Have you been watching their last few offseasons at all?

            After Cashman lying through his teeth all last offseason, nobody but the most naive people believe a word he says anyway. All it does is further erode his credibility, and god forbid a situation ever arises where there actually IS a value to a lie because who the hell is going to believe him anyway?

            But you know what, I can sum it up far more simply than that: It’s not the way a professional acts. For an organization that claims to value professionalism so much it’s patently absurd. It reflects poorly on him AND his organization and in this case, it is utterly without justification. Almost as much as defending it as “part of the job.”

            • You are completely and utterly wrong. Lawyers knowingly lie all the time. When a defense lawyer KNOWS factually, that his client is guilty but then goes on to argue otherwise, and then flips his stance in the middle of a trial from innocent to self-defense, or innocent due to mental defect then he has just admitted to being a liar.

              If a reporter asks if Cashman is interested in signing Mark Teixeira and he says he’s tapped out and Swisher is his 1B it’s called not showing his hands, not driving up the market place and keeping team plans in-house. Get over yourself. A GM doesn’t owe you, me, MLBTR or any reporter the inside truth on any player he’s in on.

              You don’t think every other GM hasn’t done that whether it was to the press, a player’s agent or even to a player just to save face, avoid confrontation or simply to divert attention towards a move they haven’t made yet?

        • Apparently the concept of negotiation escapes you all. It’s not usually a good idea to broadcast your interest in getting a deal done before going into the negotiating table. It’s called giving the other side leverage.

          Who am I kidding though, anything related to the Yankees will never be right in the eyes of anti-Yankee trolls.

      • isn’t lying and/or denying interest a common negotiation tactic? If boras is aware of a strong interest, it allows a huge price tag to become much, much larger.
        pardon my lack of values, but Id very likely “lie” if it wasnt going to hurt anyone and if it could save me millions of dollars.

    • Man, I don’t know if I like this move or not. Was really looking forward to that draft pick in the deep class… but Soriano is a beast!

    • Man, I don’t know if I like this move or not. Was really looking forward to that draft pick in the deep class… but Soriano is a beast!

    • Man, I don’t know if I like this move or not. Was really looking forward to that draft pick in the deep class… but Soriano is a beast!

  2. let me guess… A three year deal with an option for a fourth with soriano taking over the closer role after mo retires.

  4. The Yankees pen is pretty decent looking on paper…Pinstriped paper more likely.

    • Just because some writers said they’d sign players they never intended on signing? LOL

    • The Angels missed out on Crawford, but not overpaying for Soriano is a smart move. You don’t throw a bunch of money at a guy just because you haven’t thrown a bunch of money at anyone this offseason.

      • Well yeah, I say you do. I’m sure Angels fans are excited that the owner is being “fiscally responsible” and “saving” budget for the great 2011 free agent class that won’t look nearly as great once guys like Pujols and co. sign extensions.

          • …and do you own a lot of businesses? I’m talking about this from a fan perspective, and when you have an owner who comes out and says he’s going to spend and the net result is Scott Downs and an agreement with Alberto Callaspo, I’d be upset.

            Of course $35 million is a lot of money, but Moreno intimated that he was going to be playing with the “big boys” and instead, the Angles have done nothing to fill the void at 3B, leadoff, and DH, though I anticipate it won’t be too difficult to fill the latter given the guys still out there.

            • I havent read any of Moreno’s comments, so I’m not going to respond to any specifics, but the Angels did play with the big boys. They were in on both Beltre and Crawford. If every team just kept bidding on players that they wanted because they wanted to play with the big boys then the league would not even be able to function. Both players got huge deals and the Angels had to draw the line somewhere.

              Soriano is not anywhere near an elite free agent. He will provide his team with 60-70 innings of good pitching, and that is it. Just because the Yankees payed him like a “big boy” doesn’t make him one. The Angels can likely find very similar production for 1/15 of the commitment. They showed extremely good judgment by not getting caught up in this.

            • you just said their voids are at 3B, leadoff and DH but you wanted them to throw 35 mil at soriano? how does that make sense. am i the only one who thinks 12 mil/year for a set up man is absolutely ridiculous? i know he was a very good closer last year but the yankees must really be itching to spend some money to give that much to the 8th inning guy. maybe its just bc im a met fan and we cant go above 2 mil for any sort of free agent, lol

          • There is a line between being fiscally responsible and being counter productive though. When being fiscally responsible turns into “let’s just keep using these computers from 1985” you start losing money and need to actually spend money to keep making money. It’s not a great analogy but I think you get the idea.

        • I am very happy.

          Having extra money brought us Danny Haren last mid-season. Not signing Teixeira opened a spot up for Kendry Morales. Passing on Lackey allowed us to sign Pineiro.

          Not every move is great but given that the Angels DO have a budget (unlike the Yankees/Red Sox/Phillies) I am glad that management is being responsible with their resources.

          I just don’t get this mentality. If you believe that a player is worth “x” dollars, how does it make any sense to spend $10-20 and maybe even $30m more? Just to appease the moron fans who only care about big names.

          I want my team to win today and in the future. I support all moves that further that agenda. If anything I would continue to encourage the team to use restraint so that they can be flexible when an opportunity presents itself. Any Torii Hunter takers out there?

      • Well yeah, I say you do. I’m sure Angels fans are excited that the owner is being “fiscally responsible” and “saving” budget for the great 2011 free agent class that won’t look nearly as great once guys like Pujols and co. sign extensions.

      • Well yeah, I say you do. I’m sure Angels fans are excited that the owner is being “fiscally responsible” and “saving” budget for the great 2011 free agent class that won’t look nearly as great once guys like Pujols and co. sign extensions.

      • sixto……saw you play in sacramento before you and gorman became part of the brew crew………..great arm man…

    • Smoke-screen. All Yankees have to do is sign a couple international free agents and pay over-slot for a couple guys in this year’s draft and presto, the “lost” first-rounder is forgotten.

    • Smoke-screen. All Yankees have to do is sign a couple international free agents and pay over-slot for a couple guys in this year’s draft and presto, the “lost” first-rounder is forgotten.

    • Smoke-screen. All Yankees have to do is sign a couple international free agents and pay over-slot for a couple guys in this year’s draft and presto, the “lost” first-rounder is forgotten.

    • I’ll take Bard over any set up man but Soriano and Kuo are just as good and if Paps and Broxton rebound to their dominating selves this is a wash with all 3 teams. Can’t wait for the season to start!

    • I’ll take Bard over any set up man but Soriano and Kuo are just as good and if Paps and Broxton rebound to their dominating selves this is a wash with all 3 teams. Can’t wait for the season to start!

    • I’ll take Bard over any set up man but Soriano and Kuo are just as good and if Paps and Broxton rebound to their dominating selves this is a wash with all 3 teams. Can’t wait for the season to start!

    • I guess that depends on if you believe that a 41 year old will not regress. Eventually, Rivera is going to fall off a cliff. This year? Next year? Who knows, but it’s going to happen.

      • I gave up believing that. Some guys just know how to pitch and that dude knows how to freaking pitch. At this point I fully expect him to be the best closer in the game until he hangs up his spikes.

      • Your just a Yankee hater. Rivera is the best closer in the game. Just cause you hate a team does not mean you can’t deny a talented player on it.

          • How did I not make my point? Maybe you should learn to understand what you read before you make a comment. I responded to the comment that Eric left and made my point perfectly clear.

            • Google “double negative definition” and then reread the sentence “Just cause you hate a team does not mean you can’t deny a talented player on it.” That’s what Matthew T was referring to.

        • There’s no hate in his remark. The laws of physics dictate that Rivera will EVENTUALLY regress. He’s surprised a lot of people by maintaining elite status through the end of his latest contract, but he will eventually have to either retire on top or show some regression. He’s in his forties for crying out loud. I respect the heck out of him and will admit he’s the greatest reliever of all time, but everything ends eventually. If you want an example of how fast one of the best can fall apart, I suggest you watch some Vikings games from this past season.

      • If Maiano starts to slip thus year(very likely at his Age) Yankees fans will jump right Iff his bandwagon and onto Soriano’s! Papelbon and Broxton could easily rebound to dominating form as free agency approaches as Mariano finally loses it! This is a very real possibility! On paper, right now, Yankees! After season, not so likely!

    • I guess that depends on if you believe that a 41 year old will not regress. Eventually, Rivera is going to fall off a cliff. This year? Next year? Who knows, but it’s going to happen.

    • I guess that depends on if you believe that a 41 year old will not regress. Eventually, Rivera is going to fall off a cliff. This year? Next year? Who knows, but it’s going to happen.

    • you better have the best set-up guy for almost 12 mil/year!!!!! That is absolutely outrageous…..5 mil/year is a lot for a set-up man

      • At some point they will switch rolls, probably 2012. But that still pays MO ridiculous money to be a setup man….

        • Switch roles? No chance. Rivera is their closer until he retires.

  13. Everyone knows its gonna be bosox and phils in world seeies

      • Not really. That’s money they won’t have when they need it. The Yankees themselves do have a limit, you know. And it was spent on a reliever… not a closer, just a reliever.

        • I have a really hard time believing that if they found a guy to sign and he would really help the team that they wouldn’t extend the payroll. Can you imagine Hal telling Cashman “Nope, sorry, you spent all your money on a reliever”? I can’t.

          • You misread what I wrote. I’m simply stating eventually the Yankees can’t spend anymore just like any other team. Spending 11.6M on a non closer surely is a waste of space in payroll. Yes, he’s worth it and all but I think it’s safe to say every team has a budget. I know they haven’t exceeded it yet and can add a lot more but sooner or later they’re going to have to add a big name pitcher to that rotation along with Sabathia and Hughes.

            • No I got what you were saying I just don’t agree. Most teams have a limit whereas the Yankees have a “limit”.

              If their payroll was identical to last year and a Cliff Lee or Roy Halladay (or any other theoretical pitcher who is really good but would cost a ton of money) became available they would up their payroll, at least I believe they would.

              • I believe they would too, but in this economy who’s gonna buy the tickets? They had trouble selling the expensive ones already. Now up all the ticket prices. I see it being a problem. We will have to see. The way the Yankees spend it’ll be a decision that has to be made in the next couple years.

        • If they have a limit I would like to know what it is. So far we haven’t seen it.

          Sure Cashman has commented on having limits but that’s just a pretense for not wanting to overpay for guys.

          • How do the Yankees not win the World Series every year????? They can go out and get any guy that they want……..but they have overpaid a lot of their free agents that they have signed

  16. Angels seriously have done nothing this off-season. Did not see that coming.

    • Neither have the Yankees. This pretty much evens the score between the 2 this winter.

      • The difference is, the Angels are a team with huge holes, the Yankees just need starting pitching now.

  19. For efficiency sake, it should be a 3-year deal. I just hope the money isn’t too obscene. Interesting to see that he did not value having an immediate closing job (or one at all-who knows if Mo’s truly done after his new deal? Not likely he keeps going, but you never know!), but I think that’s what the word was out of his camp anyway.

  20. The Rays now get the Yanks first round pick. They’ll have a dozen picks before the Tigers make their first selection in the second round (assuming Balfour signs elsewhere).

  21. Wow. How much is the next highest paid set up man making?

  25. I LOVE IT!! What an incredibly desparate and stupid move. The Yankees are losing their edge. This is a move for the sake of a move.

    • It would appear that way, yes. But once Rivera tanks from old age, this will look like a smart move.

    • Or maybe it’s a move to drastically improve the bullpen? There’s no desperation here. Trading good prospects for a 35 year old starter owed $15 mil plus would’ve been desperate. Trying to make a trade for a bullpen arm in the middle of season trading a top pitching prospect would’ve been desperate.

      I like the addition but thought he could’ve been had for about $3 mil per less.

  26. I think this is dumb. Yes, money is no object, but why pay as much as they likely would for a setup man?

    • Because Rivera can easily go over the hill and lose at any time. This is a good contingency plan.

  27. Pie in the face for the Yanks fans who were deffending Ca$hboy when he said he wasn’t willing to lose a first round draft pick (seems he took notice that the yanks since he’s been a GM, had not had too much success with their first round draft picks).

        • You really have to look at it since Cashman took over the draft. The #1’s have not all made it to the majors yet though.

          2004-Hughes
          2005-Henry
          2006-IPK and Joba
          2007-Brackman
          2008-Gerrit Cole
          2009-Heathcott
          2010-Culver

          But he has found a lot of good guys in the later rounds like Gardner, Austin Jackson, Dellin Betances, Brandon Laird, David RObertson, etc.

  31. wait.. i see red sox fans saying the yankees made a desperate move.

    we went to the ALCS this year. the red sox did not.

    whos more desperate: signed crawford, trading for gonzalez, signing jenks

    or

    signing soriano.

    .

    • Pretty sure neither of those are desperate moves. Is any team that signs a player or makes a trade during the offseason desperate?

    • Let’s see, signing players to market value deals (or trading for one), versus paying a setup man $12M a year.

      Which seems more desperate to you?

      • Yeah S20 million dollars a year for a player who is gonna turn 30 and has never hit 20 or more hrs and had 100 or more rbis while a similar lf Brett Gardner is making a million per year I think if that whose offensive numbers aren’t as high but still pretty good with a great eye and great speed and defense. Gonzalez was a great signing though I’ll admit that.

        • It is absolutely ridiculous to judge a player like Crawford with Hrs and RBIs. Hell, it’s absolutely ridiculous to judge ANY player by RBIs. Let me guess, Hughes had an elite ace season with his 18 wins, didn’t he?

        • It is absolutely ridiculous to judge a player like Crawford with Hrs and RBIs. Hell, it’s absolutely ridiculous to judge ANY player by RBIs. Let me guess, Hughes had an elite ace season with his 18 wins, didn’t he?

        • It is absolutely ridiculous to judge a player like Crawford with Hrs and RBIs. Hell, it’s absolutely ridiculous to judge ANY player by RBIs. Let me guess, Hughes had an elite ace season with his 18 wins, didn’t he?

        • I’m sorry, but you’re coming out of left field on this one (bad pun I know). I’m completely missing your point. You’re saying that the Sox were desperate to get Crawford because Gardner makes much less for what you claim is similar production. How is this even relevant? Could The Sox go out and sign Gardner for $1M? No.

          FWIW, last year Crawford had a high OPS by .089 and Gardner has never had more than 47 RBI or 5 HR’s so there! (I felt like I had to make random claims in an attempt to belittle a Yankee, because that’s all Red Sox fans seem to do on here). Seriously though, Gardner is good, but there is 0 reason to mention him. Next time, you should mention that they have a younger version of Crawford already on the team (Ellsbury).

      • Yeah S20 million dollars a year for a player who is gonna turn 30 and has never hit 20 or more hrs and had 100 or more rbis while a similar lf Brett Gardner is making a million per year I think if that whose offensive numbers aren’t as high but still pretty good with a great eye and great speed and defense. Gonzalez was a great signing though I’ll admit that.

    • Let’s see, signing players to market value deals (or trading for one), versus paying a setup man $12M a year.

      Which seems more desperate to you?

      • Only on paper. Play the games and see who’s better, maybe the Red Sox are, maybe the Yankees are. Remember when the Phillies were easily the best team in October? Oh wait.

        • Or maybe the Blue Jays or Orioles are better. Play the games right? Useless post.

          • Maybe they are. And perhaps Jason Kendall can out homer Albert Pujols right?

  32. Heyman also tweets that Soriano can opt out after either of the first two years? That seems a bit odd. So if Soriano ends up having another good year, then the Yankees give up their first round pick for just one-year of a reliever? Or he doesn’t put up numbers like he did in 2010 and then the Yankees are stuck overpaying him for two more years? Maybe the contract is so ridiculous that there’s no chance Soriano ever opts out, though.

      • If he opts out he’s automatically a free agent, no? I didn’t think arbitration applied in those cases…

      • If he opts out he’s automatically a free agent, no? I didn’t think arbitration applied in those cases…

      • If he opts out he’s automatically a free agent, no? I didn’t think arbitration applied in those cases…

      • How do you know he’d be Type A as a setup man? I know it takes the last two years into account, but why would he even want to opt out if he hasn’t been closing, his value would be down.

  33. Well, that sucks for us Rays fans. Well atleast we get a couple more first rounders out of it. I believe that’s 11 now including supplemental picks :) We may get another if Balfour doesn’t resign with us. Hurts to say this but it’s true, the Red Sox and Yankees don’t need farm systems, they have the Rays to develop and find talent for them.

    • I guess those are the joys of being a fan of a small market team huh?

    • Could the Rays even afford to sign all those picks? I can’t remember a team having more selections, it seems that in at least some cases they’re going to have to draft signable guys rather than the best available talent.

      • I could see them figuring that this is their chance to make a statement and really unloading on this draft. When are you going to get a chance like this again?

      • I believe that’s part of the reason they’re cutting payroll. To sign the team’s future. They keep crying about attendance, but honestly with the revenue sharing and the revenue they’re bringing in ,they aren’t losing any money, trust me. They’re just trying to put a cheap, yet competitive team together like they have for the past 3 yrs. to try and keep the “fans” at bay till they develop all these guys in the farm system. Then,they’ll plug them all in and have a nice 5 or 6 yr. run where they compete for the division every year, then when those contracts come up, they start the whole process again. Life on the low end of the totem poll.

  34. I wonder if the Yanks may be considering shipping Joba-plus in a package for a starter now

    • Probably, I doubt anyone is considering taking Joba-plus for a starter though.

    • Probably, I doubt anyone is considering taking Joba-plus for a starter though.

    • Probably, I doubt anyone is considering taking Joba-plus for a starter though.

    • Joba won’t be the centerpiece of any trade for a decent starter. A throw in maybe, but not a centerpiece.

    • Joba won’t be the centerpiece of any trade for a decent starter. A throw in maybe, but not a centerpiece.

    • Joba won’t be the centerpiece of any trade for a decent starter. A throw in maybe, but not a centerpiece.

  35. you messed up big cashman. you messed up big. This is a signing for the sake of making a signing and is only going to hurt the Yankees in the long run. Giving two extra picks to arguably the top drafting team in all of the MLB. Not only that you gave a big contract to a risky injury prone player with one and a half big years. You’re nothing more than Boras’ boy toy.

    • Right, because early draft picks typically pan out and because the Yankees have a solid backup in case Mo falls apart or gets hurt.

      This gives the Yankees the chance to try Chamberlain as a starter again. He’d be no worse than Mitre.

      • Right because every single multiyear deal to relievers in the past 3 years has totally panned out for the team.

        Oh wait, all of them have come back to hurt their teams except for Mo. (and maybe K-Rod depending on your definition of hurt)

        If Cashman decides to move Chamberlain back the rotation, that will make me feel instantly better.

      • This draft class is expected to be the deepest available for years to come and the yankees will now have the 51st overall pick as their first pick.(pending no other changes) Now I realize the yankees are a team that doesn’t care that much about long term, but there has to be some thought to it to remain competitive with the dwindling free agent market.

        • “This draft class is expected to be the deepest available for years to come…”

          I have heard that it is the deepest in a long time, but how is anyone supposed to know how deep upcoming drafts will be? When you go past a year or two you are talking in hypotheticals. We can have a pretty good idea of what is available a year from now, and a decent idea of what could be available in two years but after that you are potentially talking about kids who are freshmen or sophomores and even younger. Even if they already have scouts watching some of these kids they have no idea which ones, or how many of them, are going to be really good.

    • Technically, the Yankees only gave one pick, but it was the big one.

        • They would have gotten the supplemental pick anyway, someone would have signed him, it didn’t actually come from the Yankees, as you originally implied.

  36. Their pen looks great, but why give up the pick? Its the deepest draft in ten years! They had a good pen anyway.

  37. I hope a few select people are humbling themselves after trashing Heyman so badly. I’m a Red Sox fan and I don’t have any particular affinity for the man, but we come to this site for rumors.

    Players, GMs, etc. say things all the time and go back on them, it’s the nature of the business.

    • I loved a few comments saying MLBTR was doing terrible for even posting it. I hope they realize it’s not MLBTR’s job to sift through the garbage that is MLB rumors, only to post anything and everything that someone who’s in the know says.

    • I loved a few comments saying MLBTR was doing terrible for even posting it. I hope they realize it’s not MLBTR’s job to sift through the garbage that is MLB rumors, only to post anything and everything that someone who’s in the know says.

    • I loved a few comments saying MLBTR was doing terrible for even posting it. I hope they realize it’s not MLBTR’s job to sift through the garbage that is MLB rumors, only to post anything and everything that someone who’s in the know says.

    • I’d be one of those. I wouldn’t believe the Yanks were interested until a more reliable sponsor put their name to it. Heyman was correct, and Boras must be a genius. With no competition in the bidding Boras still got a huge three year salary and opt out clauses. For Boras this signing might be better than negotiating a 10 year 275mil deal for Arod when he wasn’t even involved.

  38. lollll 3yrs/35mil for a set-up man?? Jesus Christ. Ok he’s pretty good, but over the last two years COMBINED he has a total of 3.6WAR. I don’t believe any non closer is worth this much, and i’d say the same if the Jays or any other team signed him. This will also take him to age 35, yikes. Scary signing for the Yanks, but they have the funds to try these kind of moves. Budget? WHAT BUDGET?

    • No if he does play with the Yankees for 3 years he will be 33 by the end of the deal and he is a relief pitcher so its not so bad. Cashman had to save face.

        • What less money? Counting the 12.5M buy-out the Phillies will pay if his 27M option doesn’t vest, Cliff Lee averages more money per year from the Phillies than the Yankees offered, if the 6/132 the Yankees offered is true. It’s all about the guaranteed dollars Cliff Lee has coming to him, not the salary that counts against the luxury cap.

          5/132.5 guaranteed > 6/132

      • Yeah, he’ll be turning 34 that year. This is still not a good signing, sorry to say.

      • Yeah, he’ll be turning 34 that year. This is still not a good signing, sorry to say.

    • and when/if mo gets injured or just cant do it anymore, how nice it will be to have a set up man who can also be a dominant closer. Or when mo needs a day off and they need someone to close out a close game. It may look rediculous but its pretty smart on both the Yankees part and sorianos-gets paid to set up for a great team.

    • and when/if mo gets injured or just cant do it anymore, how nice it will be to have a set up man who can also be a dominant closer. Or when mo needs a day off and they need someone to close out a close game. It may look rediculous but its pretty smart on both the Yankees part and sorianos-gets paid to set up for a great team.

    • and when/if mo gets injured or just cant do it anymore, how nice it will be to have a set up man who can also be a dominant closer. Or when mo needs a day off and they need someone to close out a close game. It may look rediculous but its pretty smart on both the Yankees part and sorianos-gets paid to set up for a great team.

  39. Well they had to overpay for someone. 11.7 Million for a setup guy, this is a low for baseball. Who knows maybe he WILL be their bullpen catcher.

  40. I knew this guy was gonna be a star. When I was 12 and playing 2K5 I would always be the Mariners, and who would I put in out of the pen? Soriano. Do you know why? I thought it was Alfonso Soriano.

  41. The opt-out options is what makes this deal really interesting. If they abolish the Type A/B in the next CBA, Soriano could leave and get a lucrative deal as someone else’s closer after 2011 and it won’t cost his new employer a draft pick. In the meantime, Rafael gets a shot at a ring.

    • Basically this is a win for Soriano. I dont understand why the opt out was included its not like there were teams hounding this guy to sign. Maybe the Yanks could use this opt out clause to their advantage? Wont know until the next bargaining agreement.

      • From the Yankees P.O.V., I don’t know why the opt-out was included, either. I tip my cap to Boras. That’s some creative negotiating there.

        But I honestly think a big reason teams weren’t knocking down Soriano’s door was because he’d cost a draft pick. That very well may not be the case next year. This whole Type A thing absolutely KILLS the value of relievers (especially middle relievers) in the FA market, and since the player’s union is all about maximizing the money for the players, I would bet good money that they’ll push for it to be abolished.

        • Type A/B free agency is saving smaller market teams, what they need to do is have at most type b free agency for someone who doesn’t even pitch 100 innings.

        • I GOT IT ! you know in cartoons where a light bulb goes over their heads. That just happened.

          I said yesterday to you that the yanks might be using this opt out to their advantage.

          Tell me if this is realistic. What if Boras and Cash had a gentleman’s agreement? Lets say Soriano had a good year with the Yanks. He opts out, and the yanks agreed to offer arb if Soriano declines. I know this has happened in the past where type Bs agree to decline arb see Vazquez this year.

          So the Yanks get a full year of Sorianos services plus 2 additional picks in next years draft. As opposed to just the 31st pick in a very good draft class this year.

      • From the Yankees P.O.V., I don’t know why the opt-out was included, either. I tip my cap to Boras. That’s some creative negotiating there.

        But I honestly think a big reason teams weren’t knocking down Soriano’s door was because he’d cost a draft pick. That very well may not be the case next year. This whole Type A thing absolutely KILLS the value of relievers (especially middle relievers) in the FA market, and since the player’s union is all about maximizing the money for the players, I would bet good money that they’ll push for it to be abolished.

      • From the Yankees P.O.V., I don’t know why the opt-out was included, either. I tip my cap to Boras. That’s some creative negotiating there.

        But I honestly think a big reason teams weren’t knocking down Soriano’s door was because he’d cost a draft pick. That very well may not be the case next year. This whole Type A thing absolutely KILLS the value of relievers (especially middle relievers) in the FA market, and since the player’s union is all about maximizing the money for the players, I would bet good money that they’ll push for it to be abolished.

      • Probably just leverage in case Rivera goes down or retires and the Yanks need to keep him as their closer

    • Basically this is a win for Soriano. I dont understand why the opt out was included its not like there were teams hounding this guy to sign. Maybe the Yanks could use this opt out clause to their advantage? Wont know until the next bargaining agreement.

    • Basically this is a win for Soriano. I dont understand why the opt out was included its not like there were teams hounding this guy to sign. Maybe the Yanks could use this opt out clause to their advantage? Wont know until the next bargaining agreement.

  42. The opt-out options is what makes this deal really interesting. If they abolish the Type A/B in the next CBA, Soriano could leave and get a lucrative deal as someone else’s closer after 2011 and it won’t cost his new employer a draft pick. In the meantime, Rafael gets a shot at a ring.

  43. The opt-out options is what makes this deal really interesting. If they abolish the Type A/B in the next CBA, Soriano could leave and get a lucrative deal as someone else’s closer after 2011 and it won’t cost his new employer a draft pick. In the meantime, Rafael gets a shot at a ring.

  44. 30 Million for that back end of the bullpen, but at best a good 3 man rotation w/o pettite i predict another over worked yankee bullpen via 08

  45. 30 Million for that back end of the bullpen, but at best a good 3 man rotation w/o pettite i predict another over worked yankee bullpen via 08

  46. 30 Million for that back end of the bullpen, but at best a good 3 man rotation w/o pettite i predict another over worked yankee bullpen via 08

  47. I can see why they did it. It’s a Rivera insurance policy with an additional year beyond Rivera’s contract as well. It also allows them to see if Joba can retake a spot in the rotation without leaving a hole in the late inning bullpen. In fact, Soriano has got to be a nice upgrade over what Joba was doing.

  48. I can see why they did it. It’s a Rivera insurance policy with an additional year beyond Rivera’s contract as well. It also allows them to see if Joba can retake a spot in the rotation without leaving a hole in the late inning bullpen. In fact, Soriano has got to be a nice upgrade over what Joba was doing.

  49. I can see why they did it. It’s a Rivera insurance policy with an additional year beyond Rivera’s contract as well. It also allows them to see if Joba can retake a spot in the rotation without leaving a hole in the late inning bullpen. In fact, Soriano has got to be a nice upgrade over what Joba was doing.

  50. Ah of course for it to be an “accepted” offseason Cashman must sign a big name FA no matter what position he plays

  51. Ah of course for it to be an “accepted” offseason Cashman must sign a big name FA no matter what position he plays

    • At this point you do have to wonder how the hell he does it.

      • He’s the best in the game by far. He gets away with highway robbery every year. I don’t understand why people hate him though, he always does his job.

    • At this point you do have to wonder how the hell he does it.

    • At this point you do have to wonder how the hell he does it.

  54. Love the deal don’t understand the salary considering there wasn’t much of a market for him. I was expecting 3/$24 mil. Ppl can hate Cashman but I don’t see the point in making your thoughts public knowledge. Maybe Cash should just stick to “no comments” though. The talk of the “not giving up the draft pick” is a little baffling to me.

    • Do Yankees fans even care about the money that the team spends? Im not being a smartass but I do not live in NY and dont know the opinions of people who follow the team.

      • In all seriousness I don’t think they would/should care until they find that magic number where the owners say “sorry, we can’t add any more payroll” and they still need to fill holes. Until then it isn’t really their money, and it only makes their team better.

      • Amazingly the Yanks are $20 mil under budget. Do we care? Not as long as the player is worth it and performs as expected. It’s the Igawa’s of the world that frustrate us.

      • Everything already costs way too much in New York in general. Gas prices in the city are astronomical. There’s a reason why they keep New Jersey around. New York doesn’t care about the money they spend because, to be frank, the rent is too damn high!

    • Do Yankees fans even care about the money that the team spends? Im not being a smartass but I do not live in NY and dont know the opinions of people who follow the team.

    • Do Yankees fans even care about the money that the team spends? Im not being a smartass but I do not live in NY and dont know the opinions of people who follow the team.

  55. Love the deal don’t understand the salary considering there wasn’t much of a market for him. I was expecting 3/$24 mil. Ppl can hate Cashman but I don’t see the point in making your thoughts public knowledge. Maybe Cash should just stick to “no comments” though. The talk of the “not giving up the draft pick” is a little baffling to me.

  56. Love the deal don’t understand the salary considering there wasn’t much of a market for him. I was expecting 3/$24 mil. Ppl can hate Cashman but I don’t see the point in making your thoughts public knowledge. Maybe Cash should just stick to “no comments” though. The talk of the “not giving up the draft pick” is a little baffling to me.

  57. I’m not sure I understand the “they have $20M more to spend” unless (a) the deal is severely backloaded or (b) their payroll “limit” is really high. With arb decisions coming, the B-ref estimate is $187.7M before this deal, so this should bring them close to $200M.

  58. I’m not sure I understand the “they have $20M more to spend” unless (a) the deal is severely backloaded or (b) their payroll “limit” is really high. With arb decisions coming, the B-ref estimate is $187.7M before this deal, so this should bring them close to $200M.

  59. It’d be hilarious if Soriano has a great year and opts out, leaving the Yanks with one good year of service from a set-up man for 2 draft picks.

    • Except if he walks they get 2 draft picks…So essentially he would opt out and the Yankees would have had a good year of a setup man…

      • Unless the CBA is changed to get rid of Type A/B status.

    • Except if he walks they get 2 draft picks…So essentially he would opt out and the Yankees would have had a good year of a setup man…

    • Except if he walks they get 2 draft picks…So essentially he would opt out and the Yankees would have had a good year of a setup man…

  60. He has to be the highest paid SU man ever. Crawford hurt so much more, thanks for another 1st rounder, Yankees.

  61. He has to be the highest paid SU man ever. Crawford hurt so much more, thanks for another 1st rounder, Yankees.

  62. He has to be the highest paid SU man ever. Crawford hurt so much more, thanks for another 1st rounder, Yankees.

  63. A couple of points:
    1) Who were the yanks bidding against? I’m not surprised the yanks signed him… just what exactly was the next highest bid?
    2) In terms of bang for your buck the deal is questionable… it is pretty much $11M+ a year for set up man. Though let’s face it… bang for your buck isn’t always a concern for teams with money.
    3) In terms of an upgrade, it’s a good one. Soriano was a great closer last year… ultimately the yanks could just need the lead after 7 then hand the ball to Sori and Mo.

    • I can picture a bunch of frustrating nights when CC starts and hands it to Soriano and Mo. Not a whole lot of scoring going on those days.

  64. A couple of points:
    1) Who were the yanks bidding against? I’m not surprised the yanks signed him… just what exactly was the next highest bid?
    2) In terms of bang for your buck the deal is questionable… it is pretty much $11M+ a year for set up man. Though let’s face it… bang for your buck isn’t always a concern for teams with money.
    3) In terms of an upgrade, it’s a good one. Soriano was a great closer last year… ultimately the yanks could just need the lead after 7 then hand the ball to Sori and Mo.

  65. A couple of points:
    1) Who were the yanks bidding against? I’m not surprised the yanks signed him… just what exactly was the next highest bid?
    2) In terms of bang for your buck the deal is questionable… it is pretty much $11M+ a year for set up man. Though let’s face it… bang for your buck isn’t always a concern for teams with money.
    3) In terms of an upgrade, it’s a good one. Soriano was a great closer last year… ultimately the yanks could just need the lead after 7 then hand the ball to Sori and Mo.

  66. Yankees now have a strong bullpen.It is possible this may trigger another deal.

  67. Yankees now have a strong bullpen.It is possible this may trigger another deal.

  68. Yankees now have a strong bullpen.It is possible this may trigger another deal.

  72. Bottom line…he isn’t worth that much money, and I doubt anyone else was offering that kind of term and money. Even in his biggest year he was still only worth 9mil according to fangraphs, and I don’t see him having many better years than he did two years ago, especially in pressure packed NY.

  73. Bottom line…he isn’t worth that much money, and I doubt anyone else was offering that kind of term and money. Even in his biggest year he was still only worth 9mil according to fangraphs, and I don’t see him having many better years than he did two years ago, especially in pressure packed NY.

  74. Boras strikes again. Big overpay IMO for a setup guy but its the Yankees so! This tells me without a doubt that they would have gone after Crawford if he was available as Cashman was obviously lying about his interest so as not to look foolish at his being trumped by the Sox! And don’t quote Cashman saying he met with CC as a smokescreen cuz he said he’d only give up the draft pick for Lee yet here we have setup man Soriano signed for 11 million per x3!

    • What does the Yankees having questionable pitching and overpaying for a setup man when they had to compete with closer salary from other teams have to do with the Yankees overpaying for an outfielder they didn’t need? I guess the Yankees were in on Agon and he spurned them too. That makes no freaken sense.

  75. Boras strikes again. Big overpay IMO for a setup guy but its the Yankees so! This tells me without a doubt that they would have gone after Crawford if he was available as Cashman was obviously lying about his interest so as not to look foolish at his being trumped by the Sox! And don’t quote Cashman saying he met with CC as a smokescreen cuz he said he’d only give up the draft pick for Lee yet here we have setup man Soriano signed for 11 million per x3!

  76. Man, I don’t know if I like this move or not. Was really looking forward to that draft pick in the deep class… but Soriano is a beast!

  77. Wow…..good job Yanks. You could have had a guy like Takashi Saito, who is about as good as Soriano for 9M less this year.

    How does this not reek of desperation again?

    • Saito is one of the most underrated relievers in the game. Well-said.

    • yeah but Saito is held together by glue and tape and can’t pitch on back to back days…

  78. Wow…..good job Yanks. You could have had a guy like Takashi Saito, who is about as good as Soriano for 9M less this year.

    How does this not reek of desperation again?

  79. Wow…..good job Yanks. You could have had a guy like Takashi Saito, who is about as good as Soriano for 9M less this year.

    How does this not reek of desperation again?

  80. I wonder if cashman will now go back on another statement and try joba in the rotation again. I hope he doesn’t but the market for starters is pretty thin.

    • I’m betting he’s more inclined now to sign another starter. Basically even a below average pitcher with a good offense and pen only has to live up to being a below average starter.

    • I’m betting he’s more inclined now to sign another starter. Basically even a below average pitcher with a good offense and pen only has to live up to being a below average starter.

    • I’m betting he’s more inclined now to sign another starter. Basically even a below average pitcher with a good offense and pen only has to live up to being a below average starter.

  81. I wonder if cashman will now go back on another statement and try joba in the rotation again. I hope he doesn’t but the market for starters is pretty thin.

  82. I wonder if cashman will now go back on another statement and try joba in the rotation again. I hope he doesn’t but the market for starters is pretty thin.

  85. This I great! The yanks needed to make a move for their bullpen. Now they need to work on their outfield and the starting rotation. Which they will complete before spring training!

    • LOL…..with who? They’ve missed the boat on starters. There is nothing left. Have fun with AJ as your 3.

  86. This I great! The yanks needed to make a move for their bullpen. Now they need to work on their outfield and the starting rotation. Which they will complete before spring training!

  87. Mixed reactions, we signed a great reliever, but to a deal that pays him way too much to be a setup man for the beginning of it. Also, we just lose our first round pick to arguably one of the deepest draft classes in a long time. I think it was a bad move, even though they needed upgraded pitching somewhere, this isn’t the deal that was needed. Cashman acted on impulse knowing that Pettitte kind of retired and there were no other options. It would have been smarter for him to make smaller moves (Jones, and Hairston Jr, afew more) and go for the wildcard this year.
    This move still doesn’t make the yankees “much” better then they were before, adding a great setup man will help, but won’t give you a playoff appearance. The last 2 spots in the rotation should be Nova and Phelps/Noesi/ one of the 3B’s if they can be successful in ST. I think Cashman should have traded Romine and one of the 3B’s for a middle of the rotation starter (not that i know of any available), but that’s probably off the table now.

  88. Mixed reactions, we signed a great reliever, but to a deal that pays him way too much to be a setup man for the beginning of it. Also, we just lose our first round pick to arguably one of the deepest draft classes in a long time. I think it was a bad move, even though they needed upgraded pitching somewhere, this isn’t the deal that was needed. Cashman acted on impulse knowing that Pettitte kind of retired and there were no other options. It would have been smarter for him to make smaller moves (Jones, and Hairston Jr, afew more) and go for the wildcard this year.
    This move still doesn’t make the yankees “much” better then they were before, adding a great setup man will help, but won’t give you a playoff appearance. The last 2 spots in the rotation should be Nova and Phelps/Noesi/ one of the 3B’s if they can be successful in ST. I think Cashman should have traded Romine and one of the 3B’s for a middle of the rotation starter (not that i know of any available), but that’s probably off the table now.

  89. Mixed reactions, we signed a great reliever, but to a deal that pays him way too much to be a setup man for the beginning of it. Also, we just lose our first round pick to arguably one of the deepest draft classes in a long time. I think it was a bad move, even though they needed upgraded pitching somewhere, this isn’t the deal that was needed. Cashman acted on impulse knowing that Pettitte kind of retired and there were no other options. It would have been smarter for him to make smaller moves (Jones, and Hairston Jr, afew more) and go for the wildcard this year.
    This move still doesn’t make the yankees “much” better then they were before, adding a great setup man will help, but won’t give you a playoff appearance. The last 2 spots in the rotation should be Nova and Phelps/Noesi/ one of the 3B’s if they can be successful in ST. I think Cashman should have traded Romine and one of the 3B’s for a middle of the rotation starter (not that i know of any available), but that’s probably off the table now.

  93. Is anyone else as pissed as I am at this FA signing? Not only did Cashman surrender his 1st draft pick but he surrendered to the Rays AND gave them another supplemental pick.

    I like the idea of having Soriano solidify the bullpen but the cost of getting Soriano is not worth it. Soriano would probably opt out next year if he really wants to close seeing Mariano does not see to want to retire soon. And if Soriano does opt out, Cashman pretty much gave their 1st draft pick for one year for a reliever.

    Sometimes I wonder if Cashman make trades/signs FA just to get some attention.

    • Not crazy about it either. If it was a little cheaper I might not have a problem with it. I kind of feel like this was a knee-jerk reaction to Pettitte deciding not to come back.

  94. Who cares! You’ve got to have a lead into the 7th. With the terrible starting pitching you have it doesn’t appear this will matter. Lol. Red sox!!!!!!!

  95. the yankees potentially gave up a first round pick for 1 years service of soriano

    pettitte must have made them desperate

    • If Soriano opts out, the Yankees get 2 compensation picks when he signs as a free agent with another team. They gave up nothing.

  96. Why pay over $10M for one reliever when you can do pay over $10M for TWO? Solid investment there. $26.5M between two relievers. Granted, it’s the Yankees, so it really doesn’t matter. Bad contracts pretty much don’t affect them… but talk about an insane overpay… $26.5M for what will amount to about 130 innings of work.

    • What kind of contract were you going to give Mo? Joe Nathan and the rest of the Twins’ closers should be able to tell you the value of Rivera in the postseason.

  97. 19th and 26th for sure now. Yes! Added bonus: All three supplementals (assuming Lopez signs somewhere) before a team who could snatch up signability guys gets to pick.

    All that said, I think this signing does improve the Yanks a lot for 2011 and the WC is theirs to lose.

  98. That’s a lot of money for a guy who’s gonna pitch like 60 innings. I guess this is what happens when you have all the money in the world and no one to spend it on. Poor Cashman. Is Sergio Mitre really gonna put in 150 innings this year?

  100. Just thought about this…
    With the yankees having a very very solid bullpen now, does that make Joba expendable, he essentially becomes the 7th inning pitcher. Could he and a few more prospects be traded to for a big time starting pitcher. I feel like this deal can lead to a big trade for the yankees. If it does, Cashman is smarter then i thought, considering I don’t even like the signing.

  101. Cashman lies again. the Yankees will not give up their 1st round pick, yeah right

        • Yeah really. It’s a desparate move any way you slice it.

          I love it…..way to punt the first rounder in a great draft!!! HAHAHA

          • Not to mention, the 2011 draft class is the most attractive in a decade. The 31st pick is more like the 10th pick in recent years classes.

  102. Why are people complaining? Their bullpen is stacked now. Who cares about the picks? Sign Andruw Jones and we’re set in the OF and either Garcia or Duchsherer and we’ll rock out with Nova as our #5. Hughes and CC will be fine. AJ can’t be any worse than last season. If Pettitte comes back its a bonus. Considering it was an offseason all about Cliff Lee this is a good recovery.

  103. “the Yankees still have about $20MM to spend … That’s plenty for a right-handed outfield bat and starting pitching, even if they wait for a salary dump situation to arise during the season.”

    Shouldn’t that be plenty for a right-handed outfield bat OR starting pitching? Who is going to salary dump a player making $10M or less who is good enough for the Yankees rotation or outfield?

    • Exactly. What quality bats or SP are still free agents?

      And if they’re looking for a salary dump, having fun with Zambrano or Cuddyer.

    • Nobody needs to worry about the Orioles. Last place is theirs, don’t worry.

      • Too bad them and the Blue Jays, 2 decent teams, are stuck in the wrong division. I hope to see 1 of the 2 be successful in several years.

      • @ renegade
        Actually this was was supposed to go to Fan of BJ’s but the reply failed once again

  105. The Rays have like 6 first round picks now. Maybe more from Balfour. That is just not fair…

    • 27 time world champions sure are a joke! They should be contracted. What a disgrace.

      • Did you enjoy watching them will all 27?
        Brag when they win their next one, hopefully their payroll will be under $400M when they do!

        • What a bitter Betty you are. They just won a title 2 seasons ago and were two games from the world series. How that qualifies as being a joke is beyond me. Why don’t quit the Yankee hate and grow up. If you want a laugh, see Carl Crawford and Jason Werth in years 5,6,7 of their deals.

          • “If you want a laugh, see Carl Crawford and Jason Werth in years 5,6,7 of their deals.”

            A-Rod in years 8,9,10 of his deal says, “Pfft. You wanna see real funny?”

            • Great point/comeback. Arod in years 8, 9 and 10 will probably be taking tickets in the great hall and pointing people to bathrooms.

          • Not bitter really. I don’t think I could even cheer for a team that had such a ridiculous payroll for so many years. It’s almost like cheating. Could you imagine if their payroll was $100M less? They probably wouldn’t even be a .500 team rofl.

        • No. I didn’t know they willed all 27. Sorry.

          Brag when they win their next one? Ha. As a Yankee fan, I can(but wont) brag to 28 other team’s fans. No one else has won the championship more recently.

          Nice try though. Come back when you put up a valid argument.

  109. oh how ignorant you all are. i see people whining about the 1st round draft pick. are you guys serious?

    jesus montero- international free agent
    gary sanchez- international free agent

    See where i’m going? the yankees don’t necessarily need 1st round draft picks, because they can simply scour the international market and sign those players. its really not hard to comprehend ladies.

  110. I like the signing because when Mo retires and Soriano decides to remain a Yankee , and if he performs well the Yanks will sign him long term to be their next closer…
    I will miss Mo but he’s still around !
    Id like to see a pitcher get signed now..or some kind of trade…I know that Cashman is looking at possibilities ..

  111. I guess the Yanks had to overpay someone this offseason. Elite closer money and a first round pick for a great setup man with injury risks.

  112. Am I the only one who really really likes this deal?? As far as the draft pick goes, who cares?? Everyone is acting like that draft pick was going to be the next Sandy Koufax or Babe Ruth. There’s a better chance that the player selected won’t make it past AAA versus being an All-Star. Now as far as the money goes, again, who cares??? It aint our money. Plus I highly doubt a large contract like this one will limit what the yankees want to do. Money is no object to them. Besides, I much rather have them overpay a great pitcher than sign a decent one to a team-friendly deal.

    • I love this deal for the Yankees. There were no real options for the rotation so making the pen the strong point is a brilliant move while they try to find starting pitching. If the Yankees have a lead in the 6th, the game is over most nights. Their pen can play matchups in the 6-7 and then Soriano and Mo finish it.

  113. More Yankee Desperation! Cashmen make big splash by signing who? Soriano and gave up a 1st rounder. STU-pid! I guess Cashmen thinks he needs to make a bigger splash than anybody else. Problem is the big guns are already gone. It’s just cashmen trying to save his job I guess. (And ticking off Rivera on the way.) All I see is the roots of conflict in the bullpen. Soriano wants to close. Rivera won’t be happy to share time. I’m a Red Sox fan but I still see Rivera as the closer under pressure I would want. Too bad he would.nt come to Boston.